Thinking about reshaping your nose without surgery? No doubt you’ve come across the only two options: nose threads & nose fillers. But how do you choose? Let us break down the facts to help you make an informed decision.
What are nose fillers?
Nose filler is an injectable treatment that reshapes your nose. It’s a popular way to define the bridge, disguise bumps and lift the tip
What are nose threads?
Nose threads are absorbable sutures inserted under the skin in your nose to change its shape. They originated in Asia, with the primary use of defining the nose bridge.
What are nose threads for?
Nose threads are best used to achieve significant increases in the projection of an undefined nose bridge. They are not indicated for the correction of bumps or lifting the nose tip.
What are nose threads made of?
Polydioxanone (PDO) is the main compound used to make nose threads. PDO nose threads dissolve over 6-12 months, but stimulate collagen production for longer-lasting effects.
How much do nose threads cost?
The cost of nose threads varies depending on:
- Type of threads used.
- Number of threads used: More threads means higher cost.
- Doctor’s expertise and location: Experienced specialists and prestigious clinics may charge more.
Expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to $5,000 or more for a nose thread procedure. If the cost is less than this, the practitioner may be inexperienced, or using low-quality or illegally imported threads.
Can nose threads lift your nose tip?
Despite many claims, nose threads are a poor choice for lifting the nose tip. They typically cause a round to the nose tip because of the collagen stimulating process. They end of the thread can also protrude through the skin.
Are nose threads reversible?
Nose threads are irreversible. If you have a side effect or change your mind, they will need to be surgically removed.
What are the risks of nose threads?
- Infection: Proper hygiene and aftercare are crucial to minimise this risk.
- Thread migration: Threads can shift under the skin causing prominent asymmetries.
- Thread extrusion: Threads can penetrate through the skin.
- Visible threads: Improper placement or thin skin can make threads visible beneath the skin.
- Uneven results: Asymmetry or bumps can occur, requiring potential thread removal or adjustments.
- Collagen hyper-stimulation: Threads can result in the product of too much collagen, resulting in a bizarre appearance along your nose.
Collagen hyper-stimulation in the shape of the nose threads ten years after the procedure (left). Immediately after treatment with nose fillers (right).
Cost of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose threads generally have a much higher cost than fillers. Threads may cost $2000-$5000, while nose fillers performed by a qualified doctor with high-quality fillers cost $1000-$1500.
Are nose threads safer than nose fillers?
Both procedures carry inherent risks. Generally, fillers are lower risk due to their reversibility. Thread complications are significantly more challenging to manage.
Risk of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose threads have a higher risk of complications compared to fillers. Thread migration, infection, extrusion and visible threads are potential concerns. Fillers, carry risks like migration and, rarely, vascular complications.
Downtime of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose threads: Moderate to severe swelling and bruising that may last over a week.
Nose fillers: Typically have minimal swelling and little to no bruising in most cases.
Pain of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose threads: Generally painless to insert if you have been correctly numbed. Expect moderate post-treatment pain after the anaesthetic wears off.
Nose fillers: Have very little discomfort, even without numbing. Some mild discomfort during the healing process.
Longevity of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose threads wear off over 6 months, with longer-lasting results due to collagen stimulation.
Nose fillers generally require maintenance every 12-24 months for most people.
Result of nose threads vs nose fillers
Nose Threads:
- Gradual results: The full effect of threads develops gradually over 4-6 weeks as your body makes collagen
- Potential for asymmetry: Thread placement is crucial for even results. Slight asymmetries can occur, requiring adjustments or removal in some cases.
- Low precision and high variability: the result is highly dependent on how your body reacts to the fillers. This cannot be predicted or controlled.
Nose Fillers:
- Fillers excel at creating a more lifted and defined nose, particularly in the bridge and tip areas. They provide a more refined look compared to threads.
- You’ll see the final results of fillers immediately after the procedure.
- Nose fillers are very precise and predictable.